Willow Smith is back and welcoming fans to a new era.
As of last Thursday, Willow posted and announced her upcoming new project, petal rock black, in the form of a 4-minute short film. Filtered in black and white, the beginning shows Willow staring into the camera in lieu of her mirrored reflection.
With the introductory monologue voiced by musician George Clinton, Willow recites a hollow yet introspective poem that sets the tone of what fans should expect. The film further progresses and Willow shares her experience of working at the studio for over a year and a half, describing it as very intense.
Taking it as a solo challenge, she highlights how this voyage was foreign for her, explaining that
“Collaboration has always just been so important to my process. I was a bit nervous and scared to embark on this journey. I knew that having an engineer who I could trust – not only their technical ability, but also their ear was absolutely necessary. Big gratitude to Adam. Thank you for coming with me on this journey.”
Moreover, the next few minutes of petal rock black showcase Willow playing the drums, guitar, and piano while describing her connection with instruments she used throughout her album.
Motioning the signal for the camera to come closer, she pours every vulnerable emotion into everything she plays.
“It really is the intimacy of the instrument. You truly get very up close and personal with your inner ministry. Your technical ability and lack thereof. What your heart really wants to say when no one is around. The intimacy with the process – that uninterrupted quality time. It can be daunting, joyous, uncomfortable, transformational. I have no doubt we need that kind of pressurized experience in order to touch new places inside of ourselves – no matter how much the fear of failure or the unknown might haunt us, we come back to ourselves again. Blow the dust off of the moment. Let ourselves be seen. and return tomorrow to do it all again.”
A few seconds later, the camera fades to black, signaling the end of the video.
Leaving us on a cliffhanger, hundreds of fans show excitement in the comments section about this project.
At the present moment, Willow is seen promoting petal rock black in increments. As of late, she posted a landscape black-and-white photo of herself as a child staring at the camera as she holds multiple hands.
Given the current symbolism and easter eggs that we have yet to see, this alternative album will have themes of nostalgia, healing, and embracing what life throws at you.
Stay tuned for further updates on petal rock black by following Willow’s social media below.
Keep up with Willow Smith: Instagram // Youtube // Spotify // Apple Music // Soundcloud // Website
